1. This Agreement applies to trade within Canada in accordance with the chapters of this Agreement.
2. This Agreement represents a reciprocally and mutually agreed balance of rights and obligations of the Parties.
3. In the application of this Agreement, the Parties shall be guided by the following principles:
(a) Parties will not establish new barriers to internal trade and will facilitate the cross-boundary movement of persons, goods, services and investments within Canada;
(b) Parties will treat persons, goods, services and investments equally, irrespective of where they originate in Canada;
(c) Parties will reconcile relevant standards and regulatory measures to provide for the free movement of persons, goods, services and investments within Canada; and
(d) Parties will ensure that their administrative policies operate to provide for the free movement of persons, goods, services and investments within Canada.
4. In applying the principles set out in paragraph 3, the Parties recognize:
(a) the need for full disclosure of information, legislation, regulations, policies and practices that have the potential to impede an open, efficient and stable domestic market;
(b) the need for exceptions and transition periods;
(c) the need for exceptions required to meet regional development objectives in Canada;
(d) the need for supporting administrative, dispute settlement and compliance mechanisms that are accessible, timely, credible and effective; and
(e) the need to take into account the importance of environmental objectives, consumer protection and labour standards.